Uttar Pradesh farm pond scheme helps farmers store rainwater for irrigation
There was a time when trains had to be sent to Bundelkhand to provide drinking water. Now, the Uttar Pradesh government's farm pond scheme is changing the face of farming in the Matoundh area of Banda. Here, farmers are storing rainwater in ponds built on their own fields. When needed, this water is being used to irrigate crops. The impact is clearly visible in the fields. Where there was earlier a fear of crops drying up due to water shortages, greenery can now be seen.
A ground report by India Today brought to light a similar picture from the Matoundh area of Banda. Until a few years ago, farmers depended on rainfall for cultivation. If there was adequate rain, the crops survived; otherwise, even recovering the cost of cultivation was difficult. Water shortage was a major problem for crops such as wheat, paddy, mustard, gram and pigeon pea. The situation became so difficult that some farmers were even forced to leave farming and move elsewhere.FARM POND BUILT ON FIELD, RAINWATER NOW BEING PUT TO USE
Under the Uttar Pradesh government's farm pond scheme, farmers can get ponds built on their fields. They have to apply through the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Portal. After a departmental inspection, eligible farmers receive a subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the pond construction cost. The maximum subsidy amount is Rs 52,500. The amount is paid in two instalments.
Rainwater is collected in these ponds. Farmers later use the stored water to irrigate their crops. The department also provides subsidies for facilities such as pipes and sprinklers to make irrigation easier. This means rainwater that would otherwise flow away from the fields is retained there. When needed, the same water can be used for crops.
Farmers say that earlier, there was little certainty of income from cultivation dependent on rainfall. At times, even after the crop was ready, it was difficult to recover the cost of cultivation. With water available on their farms, farmers are now cultivating with greater confidence.
One farmer said that earlier, selling crops worth Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000 was considered good. Now, crop sales are reaching Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. It has also been claimed that larger farmers can earn up to Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh from a single crop. This varies depending on the landholding and crop.MORE THAN 4,800 FARMERS IN BANDA BENEFIT
Land Conservation Officer Abhayraj said the farm pond scheme has helped farmers arrange their own source of water for irrigation. This year, the target is to provide the scheme's benefits to 255 farmers in Banda. The process has already begun. He said that ponds built on farms help store rainwater, which can later be used for irrigation.
Banda District Magistrate Amit Aseri said agricultural schemes of the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government are being implemented on the ground. The objective of the farm pond scheme is to ensure that water from the fields remains in the fields. According to him, more than 4,800 farmers in Banda have benefited from the scheme so far. He claimed that the scheme has also increased farmers' incomes.
Water shortage has long been a major challenge for farming in Bundelkhand. The ponds built in these fields in Banda are now helping retain rainwater. The same water is supporting crops when needed. For farmers, this change is not limited to the greenery visible in the fields, but is also strengthening their confidence in farming.- EndsPublished By: Tanu jainPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 16:56 IST
